Letter to the Editor: Illinois House bill banning hemp industry — instead of regulating it — would be costly mistake

More and more people are discovering the wellness benefits of an often-misunderstood natural plant – hemp.

Though hemp comes from the same cannabis plant as marijuana, they are not the same product. Hemp is legal under federal law. This lawful, versatile plant can be found in many forms on our store shelves, from award-winning CBD relief creams to clinically proven sleep gummies and USDA-organic tinctures, each thoughtfully crafted with our customers’ safety and wellness as our top priority. 

Sunmed started in 2022 as a small, CBD-focused company. It has since grown and evolved alongside science-based advancements that harness the unique benefits of various cannabinoids that are natural to the hemp plant. As part of a national franchise with more than 300 locations, including five in Illinois, I’m proud to own the Sunmed store in Quincy. 

All Sunmed products are tested by a third-party lab for purity and quality. I understand the need for industrywide hemp regulations – which Illinois currently lacks – to make sure products are thoughtfully produced and safe for consumers. But let’s be clear: Regulating hemp doesn’t mean the same thing as banning it. We need smart rules, not the heavy-handed bans – which would do more harm than good – contemplated by our state lawmakers in House Bill 4293. 

Hemp has its unique value, distinct from any of the pros and cons of marijuana. It plays a crucial role in our local economy. From supporting small businesses to providing consumers with natural alternatives for better sleep, relief and daily well-being, hemp has become an integral part of our community. The hemp product bans in HB 4293 would pull the rug out from under an industry that has already proven its worth — punishing responsible businesses and consumers based on misplaced fears. What we need is a thoughtful approach that ensures safety and quality without stifling innovation or crushing businesses like mine. 

As a business owner, I’ve long supported the push for regulations allowing responsible companies to thrive while shielding customers from those who cut corners and compromise safety. I join countless business owners, employees and farmers in my industry in advocating for thorough testing on all products, stringent packaging and labeling requirements — as well as an age limit of 21 for adult-use products. 

Many businesses like mine have already adopted some of these practices voluntarily because we care about the safety and trust of our customers. We’re also hoping for a tax on hemp products to funnel revenue back into our communities to help support our family, friends and neighbors. 

Without clear guardrails prioritizing consumer safety and supporting a viable, sustainable hemp industry, it will be difficult for hemp businesses to continue operating in our state – not to mention the farmers who have built their livelihoods around cultivating this lawful agricultural commodity. Because of the current regulatory uncertainty, several Illinois hemp businesses have relocated to other states, taking jobs and revenue. Let’s not risk eliminating any more lawful jobs. Illinois can’t afford it. 

Hemp isn’t just another product on the shelf. It’s part of a broader movement toward sustainable agriculture and increased access to therapeutic products. I’m a military veteran, and the hemp industry has helped ease my transition from service – from products that address my lingering pains and discomforts to allowing me to serve and positively impact the lives of other veterans, their families, others in my community and local residents.

A ban on hemp would hit communities hard, taking away opportunities for entrepreneurs and limiting choices for consumers who rely on hemp products to manage everyday health and wellness struggles. Instead of shutting down an entire industry, let’s work toward balanced regulations that protect consumers while allowing businesses to thrive. 

I urge our state lawmakers to reject any broad-stroke bans and focus on crafting fair regulations that recognize the benefits of hemp while addressing quality control concerns. We must consider the livelihood of people who depend on this industry and the consumers who benefit from its products. 

Let’s not derail an industry with so much potential. Instead, let’s guide it responsibly. 

Matt Anderson owns the Sunmed CBD store at 5313 Broadway in Quincy. He also is a U.S. Army veteran.